Relax On An Adventurous Journey At Four Seasons Rancho Encantado
Four Seasons Rancho Encantado welcomes you and your family to a relaxing, adventurous and delicious journey in Santa Fe
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
My love affair with Santa Fe began five years ago after my first visit to this Southwestern gem of a city. I never considered myself a “desert” person—scorpions, dry heat (with extra-dry cold), sand and scant foliage weren’t my thing. I struggled to see the beauty in such an arid landscape and found a disconnect between myself and the desert.
Then I visited Santa Fe and began a years-long attraction to the desert’s perfectly parched wilderness and the cities that populate it. My family visited the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado for what promised to be a restful escape from the grind of city life outside of Denver. Craving a space to truly unwind, we embarked on the short drive south and arrived at the 57-acre resort tucked into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (just 15 minutes outside of Santa Fe city center).
On our first trip to Four Seasons Rancho Encantado in 2018, we spent all of our time off the property, exploring every corner of the city and adventuring at Ski Santa Fe. On this visit, our only purpose was to embrace the stillness, peace and beauty of the resort, and after a warm welcome from its gracious team, we were ready to do just that.
The resort has a variety of casitas for guests, ranging from studios to large family suites. Each casita is positioned to maximize comfort and privacy while also reflecting the beauty of the surrounding landscapes—thatched fencing on a serene, private patio; fire butler service for each room; and Southwestern aesthetic touches throughout.
What was once a dude ranch is now a sprawling oasis of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. The on-site Adventure Center has multiple guided outings on the property and in the surrounding areas to satisfy any level of adventurer. Jeep tour? Check. Family-friendly hikes? Check. Historical cultural tour of local sites? You got it. Golf, hot-air balloons, white-water rafting, skiing, stargazing … nothing is out of reach with the Rancho Encantado team of experienced local guides.
The resort is also great for children. Upon arrival, our kids were thrilled with the mini bathrobes and slippers and kid-friendly toiletries—immediately dreaming up the epic bubble baths to come in the massive soaker tub.There are also ample on-site kids activities like delicious nightly s’mores, cookie-making and a year-round pool to get the wiggles out.
As a mother of two coming off of a global pandemic, I was very eager to experience the spa. I am sure the staff could feel me dropping my physical (and emotional) baggage as they ushered me into the dressing room and explained the pampering process. Once my tour was finished, I settled into the quiet room. This softly furnished, naturally lit circular room surrounded me like a hug as I prepared for my treatment.
When I met my masseuse, I immediately felt her calming presence soothe my weary soul. She began my Sacred Hot Stone Massage with a native blessing, calming my mind before beginning the bodywork. I felt my body succumb to what turned out to be the best massage I’ve ever received.
This self-care sanctuary has even more to offer in the private relaxation cabana with a hot pool and outdoor shower. As I listened to the birds tweet their way through the surrounding pinyon pines, I gently emerged from my afternoon of solitude on my own timeline and at my own pace, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next steps of our family adventure.
Dining at the resort was an absolute delight with the on-site restaurant, Terra, as well as in-room service that puts takeout to shame and the casual bar for quicker, less formal meals. The resort’s American cuisine with regional influences provided a unique variety of flavor combinations while satiating even our pickiest eaters (both under 10 years old!). In town, tapas at La Boca, fine dining at Geronimo, Mexican food at La Choza, and the farmers market offered flavors to tempt an off-site culinary adventure.
Our last day at the resort greeted us with a beautiful dusting of desert snow. With this unexpected flurry, we welcomed the cancellation of plans, curled up fireside, ordered meals in-room, and enjoyed uninterrupted family time in our casita away from home.
THE FOUR SEASONS RANCHO ENCANTADO SANTA FE
5000 E. 198 NM-592, Santa Fe, N.M.
fourseasons.com/santafe
505-946-5700
After growing up in California and years of East Coast city living, Jordan Martindell moved to Boulder, where she discovered a natural connection to the Rocky Mountain lifestyle. She has written for Dorado Magazine, Elevation Outdoors Magazine, Outdoor Retailer Magazine, SNEWS, rootsrated.com and offyonder.com
